Question

Any tips for taking care of stiches "down there" caused by Tearing?

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I had my son Sunday the 6th natrual and tore ... really bad to wear they stitch my clit as well is there anything I can do to take away the pain I can't walk or close my legs its horrible the dr gave me Vicaden and it don't work I always squeeze warm water with the squeeze bottle hospital gave me and the spray for pain! I take vicaden and motrin bak to bak all day pLz help if u have any advice

Mom Answers

I had 3rd degree tearing after the birth of my first. The best trick the hospital taught me was to take a newborn diaper and cut a slit in the top of the front. Put ice in the hole you cut so that it is in between the inner and outer lining of the diaper and place between your legs. The ice will help with the swelling and pain and the diaper works double duty absorbing the melting water from the ice and any vaginal bleeding you may have. Also stay off your feet as much as you can. I found the more active I was, the more sore I became. Ibuprofin is also an anti-inflammatory. If the stitches feel tight, you can buy a Sitz Bath from your local pharmacy and soak you bottom as needed. Good Luck. It sucks! And my pain lasted about 7-10 days.

Take it easy and rest as much as possible. I found warm (not hot) baths with Epsom salts helped immensely with my tearing pain. This provided relief especially after going to washroom, which was extremely painful for weeks after delivery - I had stitches from end to end. As I was going to the washroom I would fill up the tub just a bit (enough to cover what needed to be soaked). I had no infection despite having loads of stitches. The salts help keep things clean (you don't need to use how much they say on the package - it's way too much). I found the baths also helped with labour afterpains (no bubble baths, though, as this can cause irritation and UTIs).

The other poster had great tips. I would add try putting chamomile tea in your squirt bottle, it has soothing properties. Spending a lot of time lying down is key, and if you do that thing with the diaper (or any pad), make sure you change them very frequently to avoid infection or irritation from wetness. Witch hazel pads can also help. It took me about 2 weeks to recover completely from my tear. If your intense pain continues, though, I would have someone look to see if the stitches are infected - after a week you should start to see a little improvement in the pain. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

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